Innerleithen to become latest DH Mecca in the booming, bike-mad Borders

Emma Guy and Tracy Brunger from The Hub In the Forest are working with Forestry Commission Scotland to create a downhiller's paradise in the Scottish Borders. And it's a paradise for other Borders businesses, too. The various MTB projects bring bike tourists to the area, and they splash their cash, and not just on carrot cake...

On 9-10th April, Red Bull riders Gee Atherton of the UK and Swiss downhill champion Claudio Caluori will take the official first ride down the Red Bull Project Downhill at Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders.

The new black-graded downhill track was built by local trail builder Richard Hamilton. He previous worked on the trails at Glentress, where Hub in The Forest is based.

Former mountain bike pros Emma Guy and Tracy Brunger from The Hub In the Forest have put together plans for five new downhill tracks at the venue. The new routes will be graded from blue, taster downhill trails through to competition black-graded trails.

A revamped transport system to shuttle bikers up to the top of the tracks is also in preparation and in the interim The Hub will be using lorries to transport the DHers to the top of the course.

Guy said: "The long term plan for development of the Red Bull Project Downhill site is to bring the tracks and services up to a world class level. We believe there is the potential here to create one of the best downhill and freeride locations in the world."

The plans not only include the development of a new trail network, but also permanent timing systems, Freeride areas, as well as improved services at the site including bike rental, spares and catering.

Forestry Commission Scotland's recreation manager for the Borders, Alex MacLennan is keen to build on the growing reputation that the Tweed Valley has for its mountain biking: "The whole project has been a real partnership affair. Our overall aim is to create a centre that will draw many more riders to the area and this in turn will have positive spin offs for the Borders economy."